Clydach and Gelli-felen Tunnels

Engineering code : MTA

Length: Clydach Tunnels, Gelli-felen Tunnels 352 yds

The Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway company Faced a number of engineering difficulties along its route. Although the route through the Clydach Vale mainly followed the earlier Bailey's Tramroad, some of the bends were too tight, necessitating the construction of tunnels at Clydach and Gelli-felen. Originally single tunnels were dug. Parallel tunnels were dug in 1877 when the line was doubled. The northerly tunnels were the first to be built, followed by the southerly tunnels. The Clydach tunnels are gated at theire west end, although there is a gap below the fence of the southerly tunnel. They are both bricked up at their east ends, which lie in private land.

The Gelli-felen tunnels are both curved and lined with a combination of stone blocks and bricks. The southern tunnel is gated at its western end, the northern tunnel is open, although the eastern portal is somewhat muddy.

Gelli-felen Tunnels

East Portals	North tunnel, from east portal	North tunnel	North tunnel
North tunnel	North tunnel	North tunnel	South tunnel, from east portal
South tunnel	South tunnel	South tunnel	West Portals

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